February 7, 2023

 

Financial Gain

 

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

– 1 Timothy 6:3-5

 

Paul didn’t use soft words. He’d just written about slaves having respect for their owners and then he went right on to false teachers, unrest and money. God surely shows us exactly what we need and when.

 

I’ve written about our divided local church and the path toward a vote on disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church. There are those who insist it’s over “traditional values” but the hard truth is that it’s all about money. And power. Oh, and control. It’s coming from people who think it’s okay to write a check, tell everyone else how to run the church, and then most of the time don’t bother to even show up. And it’s about judgmental people who point fingers without bothering to exam themselves.

 

At times I beat myself up for my own judgmental attitude. I struggle with anger at the pointlessness of it all. Where is Jesus in all this? Why do people think it’s okay to blame others for all the church’s flaws when they don’t bother to show up?

 

Money. Money. Money. There unfortunately are people who truly believe that money should give them the right to “own” church property. There are those who truly believe that money should give them the right to control all the decisions in the church, whether it’s hiring, Bible studies or various ministries.

 

I am a thorn that keeps drawing blood. Jesus’ blood. Because I believe that the church and all its properties belong to God. I believe that Jesus Himself should dictate hiring and Bible studies and all ministries.

 

I could provide my “credentials” if you will. I could talk about family history and ministry activities and volunteer hours. But why? I do what God calls me to do. I have nothing to brag about other than what Jesus has done for me.

 

We are stewards of what God has placed in our care, whether people or things. There are those who would destroy what is His because of their own greed and lust for power. It’s nothing more than a business deal to them.

 

I have no idea how it will all turn out. Satan seems determined to destroy what God has built. His minions are hard at work, spreading lies and constantly causing unrest. Deep inside, a peace fills me. This battle belongs to God.

January 27, 2023

 

Who’s in Charge?

 

After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” – Nehemiah 4:14

 

In many ways it’s a fight between those who have money and power and those who are regular people. Factor in people who want to be part of the money and power group and it appears a landslide toward disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. But God has never been One to sit on the sidelines while people try to destroy His church.

 

What’s going to happen? I really don’t know. It’s impossible to predict what God will do. He could leave people who claim to know Him to their own devices. He could allow evil to rise up and use His name to further themselves. Or He could raise His might against those who seek to control what is His.

 

Satan is doing his best to destroy what God has built. At least that is what appears to be happening. I wonder now how long Satan has been a part of this church. How long have people masqueraded as Christ followers all the while only knowing the darkness of evil in their hearts?

 

People are afraid. They follow like little puppets, assured that going against those in power will result in destruction. They’ve witnessed the business dealings, the legal proceedings, the horror of opposing a ruling class that appears unstoppable. This is the Deep South. This is still a small town. Certain families are in charge.

 

Until they’re not. If we truly believe in the Gospel, if we truly know that God judges our hearts, if we truly understand the power of the Holy Spirit, then how can we give up without a fight?

 

I’ve seen miracles happen. I’ve witnessed God showing up in the midst of the impossible. I’ve watched as those who seemed untouchable were brought low by the mighty power of Jesus.

 

I have no idea how this will end. But I do believe that in this moment God has called me to stand still and watch His mighty sword. Perhaps Whatever happens, I follow Christ. I call on Him for strength and wisdom. I pray for light to guide the way. His will be done.

September 27, 2018

Check Your Motives

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. – James 3:16

She talks tough. Curse words dot most sentences. Her laughter is a little too loud. She shoves her arrogance in your face. She’s hard as nails.

In her way of thinking, she’s got to put everyone else down in order to look good. Her co-workers despise her. You never know when she’ll lob the next zinger. The air around her is tense, poised for battle.

She is jealous of everyone. Selfish ambition fills her. She refuses to be a part of the team. She’s too focused on herself. She’s too busy “winning” the day to realize she’s losing the battle.

Do you know someone like her? You probably do. There always seems to be one like her to dirty up any environment. Her “wisdom” says it’s all about her and she doesn’t care who she hurts or what she destroys on her mission.

Maybe you’ve even been her before. Maybe you know what it’s like to win no matter the cost. Maybe you’ve felt the emptiness that comes after the triumphant win. Maybe you’ve gone around and around on that roller coaster, trying desperately to figure out why success doesn’t seem to mean as much as it used to mean.

One of those viral videos just came to mind. It was of a young man with cystic fibrosis scoring a touchdown, as both teams ran with and cheered him on. Don’t miss that. Both teams. I have no idea who won the game. Who cares? Because, really, they both won when they united to help a young man achieve a dream.

It’s amazing what can happen when we work together, isn’t it? It’s amazing what can happen when we think of someone else first, isn’t it? Then why does the world tell us it’s all about us?

Satan wants us to believe that. We get so caught up that we forget we’re in a spiritual battle every single day. It’s real, folks. Satan dangles the world before us and we snatch it, the allure seemingly more than we can withstand. He tells us what we deserve. He makes false promises and we believe him every time.

The only way to withstand the onslaught is with the strength of Jesus. The only way to know the truth is to seek His wisdom. Read His Word. Pray. Listen to the Holy Spirit. James also tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from you. But are you willing to resist?

Jealousy and selfish ambition will destroy every relationship you ever have, whether it’s work, family or friendship. Whenever you start demanding your “rights” or what you think you “deserve,” step back and do a heart check. None of us deserve God’s grace. None of us have the right to claim what ultimately belongs to Him.

And none of us have the right to put others down, to spread lies, to cause trouble for others in a worthless attempt to look better and, thus, feel better about ourselves. It’s just wrong. And it doesn’t work. It doesn’t. Because people always see the truth and you end up destroying yourself.

There are two types of wisdom: that wisdom that comes from the world and that wisdom that comes from God. Make sure you know which you’re following before you end up down a path you never planned to go.

September 20, 2018

Who Do You Worship?

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the LORD your God, and serve him only.’” – Matthew 4:10

Do you remember when Jesus said this? It was when He was in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. The devil had offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and all of their splendor. He promised it to Jesus if He would only do one thing: worship Satan.

Of course, we’re to worship God first. We know that. It’s one of the Ten Commandments. We would never bow down and worship another god. That’s what we say anyway. But are you sure?

There are many types of gods in our lives, whether we acknowledge them as such or not. For some, their god becomes the volunteer work they’re committed to. It becomes their life and everything else revolves around it. Volunteer work is a good thing. Surely, it is. Until it becomes more important that God.

Another common god is money. There are those who will do anything, sacrifice anything, to earn more and more money. They are never satisfied. Every dollar seems to fuel a need for ten more. It’s what they think about constantly. Money has replaced God in their hearts.

Or consider the children in your life. They are gifts from God and, surely, we are to prize them above all else. Except how often do we opt out of time with God because the kids’ activities interfere with it? How often do we miss church because of a sporting event? How often do we forgo tithing because that new pageant dress or tech toy that all the other kids have is really more than we can afford? We want our kids to be the best and have the best – even if that means God gets less and less and less.

Is any of this making sense yet? Whatever you focus your time and attention on the most is what you worship. It is your idol. It is what you value more than God.

Don’t get me wrong. None of the things I’ve mentioned, nor any of the many others I could have mentioned, are bad. They aren’t. It’s good to volunteer. It’s good to work hard. It’s good to give and do for your children. It’s when it reaches an extreme that it starts to edge deeper into your heart, pulling you farther and farther away from God.

God wants your heart. He wants all of you, but He understands that it’s our heart that determines how the rest of us will go. God made us with a thirst that only He can quench. One pastor called it a worship chip. It’s the only thing that will fill us up and make us whole.

When we try to shove all the other things of our lives into that hole, it only pulls us away from God and makes us miserably unhappy. We are made to worship God first and nothing else will ever satisfy us.

So, the next time you find your focus pulling away from God stop and consider your priorities. The next time you make a choice that puts something or someone before God, take a moment to really think about why you are making that choice. The slope away from God is slippery. Satan makes sure of that. Don’t let him lead you someplace you never intended to go by worshipping an idol you never intended to worship.

September 16, 2018

Ignoring It Doesn’t Erase It

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

– 1 Peter 5:8

Does ignoring something make it go away? Does silencing the voices of hurt take away the pain? Does refusing to acknowledge a problem erase the problem?

A suicide rocked a local high school. She was apparently bullied on social media. Threats were left in her locker. Nothing was done. She died. End of story?

Obviously, not. There are kids who are hurting. Is it from guilt because they said and did things they shouldn’t have? Is it pain that comes from not knowing, not seeing, not listening to a girl hurting so badly that she only saw one way out? Is it because there’s a real chance that others feel as she did?

Today I learned that teachers were warned not to mention the girls name. There’s no grief counseling. There’s no outlet for processing what has happened. Nothing. Maybe the school administration thinks that by ignoring one girl’s suicide, it will all just go away. It won’t.

There are kids who will live with the aftermath of this for the rest of their lives. There are teachers who will struggle with what if questions. There are those of us on the outside who will wonder about a school system that refuses to deal with trauma head on.

Did you ever see the movie or read the book The Prince of Tides? It’s a powerful story of trauma covered up, only to resurface years later. One woman buried her trauma so deep she didn’t remember it, even though depression and suicide attempts were her normal. Her brother had to face the trauma, to talk about it, to finally cry, in order to help his sister live. The story is about what happens when we aren’t allowed to process something awful. We may survive the moment but the horror is only hidden just below the surface.

Let me ask you another question: Are you enough just the way you are? Don’t throw out a flippant answer. It’s a serious question. Every day we hear thousands of messages that say we aren’t enough. You may not acknowledge them but they are there just the same.

Think about it. Are you a little too heavy? Do you lack hair? Is it the wrong color? Maybe you need an alcoholic beverage and a party so you can be with the “in” crowd? What about a tropical vacation? Or a new car? Everywhere we look we are being bombarded by messages that tell us we need something more or to be someone better in order to fully enjoy life.

Now add adolescent pressure to the mix and what do you get? A horrible scenario where kids are acting out in order to be someone they aren’t so they can fit into a system that’s beyond broken.

Do we really believe that not talking about this girl’s death will keep it from happening to someone else? Do we really believe that looking the other way will remove all the guilt kids and teachers feel? Do we really believe that ignoring a problem means it never really happened?

We are giving Satan a foothold into our broken hearts. We are exposing our open wounds to more trauma. We are asking for more of the same because we aren’t brave enough to offer the hope that is Jesus. Shame on all of us.

June 2, 2018

Don’t Fall For Satan’s Lies

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

-- Luke 19:8-9

Even in the world of prosperity theology, it seems extravagant. Televangelist Jesse Duplantis wants his followers to give him $54 million for a private jet. He already has three private planes but “God wants” him to have a new one.

I wonder how many foolish people will send him money, believing that God will bless them financially for doing so? This man isn’t of God. Do they know that? Do they understand just how far away from the gospel Duplantis’ rhetoric really is?

The man says that Jesus wouldn’t ride a donkey today. He and Kenneth Copeland insist that they can’t pray on commercial airlines that are filled with demons. Copeland’s word, not mine. They just “know” that God wants to bless them with private planes.

And mansions. We can’t forget the luxurious lifestyle Duplantis’ followers provide for him. Jesus didn’t even have a home of his own. Why would these imposters insist than God wants them to have mansions on this earth?

Because we are foolish people. Because desperate people fall for Satan’s lies. Because we want so badly to be rid of the heartache and pain, the struggles and the limits, of our own lives. So we believe what isn’t true in a futile attempt to become wealthy and live an easy life.

I want so desperately for these sad people to read the Bible for themselves. I want them to truly know Jesus, to know that He is enough. I want them to understand that even though life is sometimes hard, He walks with us every step of the way.

Jesus mingled with the poor. He ministered to sinners. He drove out demons. He touched lepers. He wept with friends. Jesus lived among the people who needed Him the most. He could easily have hid Himself in a mansion but Jesus chose to live amongst the downtrodden.

In fact, the only times Jesus was truly angry was when others were taking advantage of the poor. Just like Duplantis is doing right now.

I’ve no doubt that God will handle this imposter in His good time. But how many people will he lead astray before that time comes? How many lies will people believe? Peter tells us to be watchful because the devil prowls about looking for people to devour. Satan is no doubt feasting on the followers of this imposter. It is just so sad.

What, perhaps, is even sadder are those who don’t know Jesus and are turned away from His truth because of people who claim to be of God and yet aren’t. We must be strong. We must continue to shine His light on this dark world. We must expose those who take advantage of unsuspecting people.

Don’t fall for Satan’s lies. Stand strong and trust in the true King, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

May 10, 2018

Does Satan Know You?

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of that house naked and bleeding. – Acts 19:11-16

Does Satan know who you are? That was the question posed in the Battle Plan for Prayer workbook. You’re probably thinking, “I hope not!” None of us wants to face an attack from Satan. But if Satan isn’t worried about what we might do for God, then maybe it’s past time we looked in the mirror and asked ourselves why not.

Spiritual warfare is all around us. That’s true whether we recognize it or not. What’s also true is the harder we push forward to serve Jesus and bring God glory, the more Satan wants to stop us. It’s just an unfortunate fact.

One primary way Satan attacks us is in our minds. Satan wants us to believe that God isn’t trustworthy, that He isn’t good, that God wants to deny us all those things we deserve. The devil will twist God’s words and dangle lots of stuff in front of us. His primary purpose is to make us turn away from God.

Don’t do it. Just don’t. Yes, God wants good things for us but that doesn’t mean He gives us everything we desire. It’s not good for us. Think about it this way: Would you let a two-year-old eat chocolate until he got sick? Of course not! You would let him have pieces in moderation so that the chocolate gave him joy and not a sick tummy.

God knows what is best for us, even though we might not always see it that way. He’s trying to mold us into the image of His Son. Sometimes that hurts.

It also forces us to come face-to-face with our total reliance on God. We want to do it all by ourselves. We give something to God – and then we take it back because God isn’t doing it the right way or isn’t completing the task quickly enough to satisfy us. Then our plans fail and we give it back to God. It’s an endless cycle.

We can do all things through Christ. It’s through Him that we accomplish the tasks God has placed before us. It’s not enough to claim faith; we have to believe and live that belief out loud.

Do you know why the sons in this passage couldn’t do anything to the evil spirits? Because they didn’t believe in Jesus. They said all the right things but their heart wasn’t filled with the Holy Spirit. It’s not words that save you. It’s genuine belief in our Risen Lord. We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus. There is no other way.

Satan knows that his time is limited. Jesus has already won the war. Satan is out to do as much damage as he can, while he can. It’s up to us to keep fighting in the Spirit.

I’ll ask you again: Does Satan know who you are? I hope he does because that means you’re living a life focused on bringing God glory.

May 8, 2018

Seek God First

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

Life gets overwhelming sometimes, doesn’t it? There are so many demands on our time, our resources, our minds. Sometimes I’m tempted to throw up my hands and shout, “I’m done!” and go hibernate for a while. Do you know what I mean?

Those who are in ministry talk about Satan’s attacks when they are stepping forward into God’s calling. Do you want to lead a Bible study? Expect an attack. Do you feel called to start a new outreach program? Expect an attack. Are you stepping out in faith toward God’s calling? Expect an attack.

Yes. We know Satan prowls around looking for ways to push our buttons. And we know that he will attack us and try to derail anything we are attempting to do for God’s glory. But expecting that attack and living through it? That’s tough.

We know to resist the devil and he will flee from us. We understand that we must wear the armor of God at all times. But some days, when we are battered and bruised, it just feels overwhelming.

That’s when it’s time to refocus and regroup. What’s most important? Seek God’s kingdom first and everything else will fall into place. I just had that conversation with someone yesterday. My prayer is that the wayward child – now an adult – will once again place Jesus as the center of her world. If that happens, wise choices will result and the prodigal child will return. It’s that simple and that hard.

In my own life, I am pulled in many directions. There is always work to be done, people and animals who are counting on me, responsibilities that can seem too much to bear. But I don’t face them alone. God is with me, guiding me and teaching me. He sends helpers when I need them. He gives direction when I need it. God surrounds me with His love and care.

A number of years ago I had someone ask what time I had gotten up. We were headed out on an early morning work trip. That person was astounded that I got up early enough to spend time with God before we left. I was astounded that he would think I would do anything else.

“How can I ask for God’s protection when I don’t make time for Him,” I asked. “How can I know what He wants if I don’t meet with Him and ask? How can I expect strength to resist temptations if I don’t spend time in His Word?”

And, yet, when we are busy, overwhelmed, filled with stress and worry, what is one of the first things we give up? Time with God. The thing we need most. Can you see Satan’s hand in that?

If there’s one thing Satan knows, it’s that he needs to pull us away from Almighty God. It’s the only way his attacks will work. Satan understands the power of the cross and the One who lives inside of us. The question then becomes: Do we understand?

Every season of life comes with challenges and difficulties, right along with blessings and joy. Find your strength in the One who controls it all.

May 1, 2018

We Can Say No

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1

We are good at rationalizing our choices, aren’t we? It’s a trap that leads us to a place we never intended to go. We fall for it all the time.

First, it’s the voice that asks us if the Bible really says what we think it says. Surely the pastor didn’t mean we should deprive ourselves of something we really want. God wants good things for us and we would really enjoy a new toy or vacation or outfit.

We could take it to the Bible. We could pray and ask God to reveal to us what He really said. We could seek His wisdom. But we’d really rather not. Why? Because what if God doesn’t tell us what we want to hear?

We want to follow God when it comes to blessings. We want to seek His will so long as His will conforms to ours. We aren’t so quick to follow His plan when we don’t really understand or agree with Him.

Ah. There it is. We don’t always want what God wants for us. We want to be the god of our own lives. We want to do what we want to do and we want God to, in turn, bless it all and give us loads and loads of riches and great success.

Did you feel just a twinge of conviction when you read that? Good. It’s a first step in getting your life in complete alignment with God’s will.

Notice that the serpent (Satan) didn’t directly attack God when he first approached Eve. She would have seen right through that. His words were subtle, seeds planted to make her question if God really had Eve’s best interest in His mind.

The conversation continued. Eve told the serpent what God had said. And Satan responded. Satan always responds when we try to resist.

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

– Genesis 3:4

We want to be like God, don’t we? We want to know what’s best for us. We want to control our own destiny. We want our will to be our first priority. We want what we want when we want it. Surely God can see that we deserve only good in our lives.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. – Genesis 3:6

Eve got what she wanted. Her eyes were opened, as were Adam’s, and life changed forever. I wonder how much time she spent wishing she’d never listened to the serpent. I wonder if she truly regretted a decision she couldn’t undo. I wonder if she ever thought she’d just give anything if she’d said no and walked away.

How many times in your life have you thanked God for saying no? Sometimes hindsight reveals that what we thought we wanted, what we just knew we had to have, wasn’t really good for us. It could be a relationship, a job, an opportunity that looked so very enticing.

When God says no, there’s a reason for it. When we push forward anyway, there are consequences. Sometimes there’s nothing really wrong with what we want – it’s just that God has something better planned for us. Sometimes God sees how we’ll get tangled up in something we never intended and that mess will lead us where we really don’t want to go.

Here’s the thing: We can say no. We can walk away. We can follow God even when the world tells us to go a different way. It’s your choice. What are you going to do?

March 25, 2018

Is Satan Real?

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. – James 4:7-8a

I have a question for you: Is Satan real? Or is he merely a symbol of evil? What does the Bible say? Do you even know what the Bible says?

Last week in Sunday School class we discussed who Satan really is. Fortunately, all who were present believe that Satan does exist. That’s amazing because it really isn’t the case for many Christians.

It doesn’t stop Satan from wreaking havoc in our lives. I think he wants us to doubt his existence. That way we won’t be on guard, ready to use the power of Jesus to thwart his plans. We’ll just kind of amble into a trap. Peter told us to be wary of that.

All throughout the Bible we are warned about Satan. He is a liar, a deceiver, a murderer. He is a serpent, a tempter, a destroyer. He plots and schemes, turning Christians against one another. He convinces unsuspecting people that just a little step away from God isn’t such a big deal. It is. Remember Eve and the apple? Yeah. Satan can be convincing as he twists God’s words.

Sometimes Satan will attack us directly. Other times he will create adversity aimed at causing us to give up and stop trying to follow God. Satan doesn’t want us to do what God has called us to do. He’d rather make God look bad.

Yes, Jesus has already defeated Satan. The devil is headed to the lake of fire. In the meantime, Satan is over the world and he will do everything in his considerable power to take as many people to his doom as he can.

Ephesians 6:10-18 refers to the armor of God. We are to put it on. All of it. Because that’s how we defeat Satan. We aren’t powerful enough on our own. Please don’t think you can. That’s exactly what Satan wants you to do. He wants you to think you don’t need God because that’s the only way he can gain victory. Satan is no match for God Almighty.

Some people are confused about that. They believe that Satan is equal, or almost equal, to God. He’s not. Satan is a created being. God created Satan and all the angels. Satan is on the same level as, say, Michael the archangel.

Remember that Satan fell to his doom when his pride led him to challenge God. Satan wanted to be God but that led to an uprising that sent Satan and about a third of the angels to their ultimate doom. Ultimate but not yet.

Be wary and watchful. Satan prowls around looking for unsuspecting Christians to devour. He is real. He is powerful. Place your trust in Jesus and fight through His might. Draw close to God and demand that Satan flee from you. Use the mighty name of Jesus. Victory belongs to Him.

February 20, 2018

Stay Alert

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. – Matthew 4:1

Satan is a sore loser. Even though he has already lost, he continues to plague God’s people. We are temped again and again but we have the power within us to resist the devil. If we use it.

Jesus gave us a perfect example to follow. Of course, we aren’t perfect people. Still, it is a lesson all of us should consider, especially on the tough days. The devil waited until Jesus was at his most vulnerable to tempt Him. Satan does the same with us.

Jesus was hungry. He’d fasted for forty days and nights. Can you imagine? And that is where the first temptation came.

“If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loves of bread.” – Matthew 4:3

Don’t miss the word “if”. That’s one of Satan’s most powerful words. He wants to make us doubt who we are as God’s children.

Jesus was ready with Scripture. Are you? Can you, will you, confront Satan’s lies with God’s Word?

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4

Satan wasn’t finished. He never really is. Satan will continue to attack us, again and again. The one thing the devil doesn’t want is for God’s children to walk by faith.

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” – Matthew 4:6

Do you ever challenge God? Do you test His love for you? Do you ask God again and again to prove His love by giving you the desires of your flesh?

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” – Matthew 4:7

The devil’s attack continued. Just like with us. Have you ever gone through a season where you wondered where God was and why He was allowing the repeated attacks against you? (Read Job for a good lesson on this.) Most of us have been there. The closer we come to God, the more intense the attacks from Satan.

And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” – Matthew 4:9

Oh, we would never worship the devil. Would we? What do you value most in your life? Your home? Your job? Your status? Your bank account? A good test: What would you give up for Jesus? Ah. That’s a different story. We’re all about Jesus until He asks us to sacrifice something we really, really want.

“Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” – Matthew 4:10

Who do you serve? What do you worship? Satan will continue to prowl this earth and seek to destroy God’s children until Jesus returns and finishes him off forever. In the meantime, remain alert. Call upon God’s Word. We are in a war that, thankfully, Jesus has already won.

February 8, 2018

Watch What You Share

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is not truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44

It made the social media rounds. It was Super Bowl Sunday and the word was that the NFL wasn’t going to allow the Star-Spangled Banner to be played. People were disgusted with Commissioner Roger Goodell. Some threatened to boycott watching the game.

It was all a lie. Pink sang the National Anthem. Everyone raved about her performance. I only noticed one person come back and post on social media that the information previously shared was wrong. She didn’t apologize for sharing it. She simply noted it was wrong and “someone” obviously got their information wrong.

This woman, along with many others, are wonderful Christians. Except when they aren’t. Did it ever occur to them to check the facts before sharing a lie? Of course not. It’s just too easy to click that share button. It’s not so easy to research the issue themselves.

Everyone knows I’m all about opinions. I love sharing my own and I love to hear different voices debating real issues. We all learn that way. But there’s a line between opinion and lie. So many people don’t understand that.

Another sweet friend defended her right to her opinion. I guess she’s been getting some flack for the hatred she shares on social media. Not from me, I might add. I simply ignore it. I know that very little of what she shares actually has any truth in it.

She is defensive. I understand that. It’s never fun to be criticized. But I think maybe she’s missing the point of the comments. She is certainly entitled to her opinion. But when she constantly shares hatred and then turns around and talks about Jesus, well, she comes off sounding like a hypocrite. And that makes people angry.

It’s a vicious cycle. Hatred begets hatred. Anger begets anger. And lies beget them both. We’re so busy having “opinions” that we can’t hear any voice but our own. We blame it all on Washington but, honestly, it starts right here with all of us.

I wonder what would happen if all those who claim to be Christians simply refused to share hatred and ugliness. It is possible to share your opinion without either of those things. I wonder how our country, and the world, would change if we sought to listen and learn rather than listen and reply.

If your “opinion” is a lie, it comes from Satan. Be careful what you share. Is it kind? Does it show respect for all those created in God’s image? If the answer is no, then don’t share it. Don’t say it. Don’t be a part of it. And, certainly, don’t excuse it as your “opinion.”

May 25, 2016

Love And Obey God

 

“If you love me, keep my commands.” -- John 14:15

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” -- John 14:23

God and I are having an ongoing discussion. Actually, I guess it’s really me whining and God being a patient Father.

I want to do something. I am tired and I am stuck and I am very unhappy about it. God keeps telling me to wait. To be patient. I am not patient.

I know. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I don’t have it. I try. I do. But I don’t have it. God knows it and so do it.

Here’s the thing though: I love God with all my heart. I fail Him daily but I love Him. I also trust Him. In a world where I really don’t trust anyone anymore, I trust God.

So I’m doing what He has said. I’m waiting. I get impatient and I tell Him about it. I get tired and I cry out to Him. I feel the pressure of this task and I beg Him for strength and wisdom.

God always provides. Always. When His children cry out to Him, God hears and He always takes care of us. I count on that.

Just like I expect the attacks from Satan. They’ve been rolling in, again and again, until I think I can’t take anymore. I hide behind my God. My Father. My Abba. My protector.

There are people who would destroy me out of jealousy and hate. Lies are like poison and those that spew them out are filled with that poison. I could never battle that on my own. But God tells me to stand still and He will fight for me. I know He will.

The days are long but God is here. I trust Him to know what is best. Loving God and trusting Him means that I listen to what He says and try, to the best of my ability, to do what He says.

I haven’t learned a lot in this life. Some lessons I’ve had to learn several times. But the one thing I do know is that God is always on my side. He always wants what is best for me and will always guide me down the right path. My job is to follow Him.

So I pray every day for wisdom to know His will and the courage to do it. I love God. I trust Him. I want to do His will. What about you?

March 24, 2016

Resist Satan’s Attacks

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -- John 10:10

I want peace. I want to live in the moment, to be thankful for what I have and where I am. I don’t want to worry about what might or might not happen. I don’t want to bother with things I can’t predict or control.

Satan things that’s funny. How do I know? Because his attack is relentless. The Bible calls it spiritual warfare. It is real and it is way beyond anything I am capable of combating on my own.

In Ephesians, Paul talks about the armor of God. But those are things we put on before we go in to battle. It’s too late once the battle wages all around you.

I keep thinking of a scene in the War Room. Elizabeth has finally broken and cried out to God. Afterwards, she keeps repeating “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” That’s out of James. She basically throws the devil out of her home and her life.

In real life, it’s not that easy because the devil comes back again and again. Every time you think you’ve finally reached a place of peace, here he comes again with another attack. Satan doesn’t want us to pray. He doesn’t want us to seek God. He wants to negate all we are in Christ. But he can only do that if we allow it.

One of my favorite weapons is Scripture. When the enemy attack is in my mind, I push it aside with Scripture. It isn’t an easy battle. I repeat the same verses over and over again until the attack passes. Why? Because when Jesus was tempted by the devil, he answered with Scripture. I want to follow Jesus’ example.

I am certain I cannot fight this battle alone. No chance. Scripture tells me to humble myself before God and to stand firm in my faith. I so badly want to do that. I refuse to allow Satan to have my peace.

I resist, not on my own authority or with my own power, but through Jesus. I am nothing without Him. Really I am just another insecure person being battered by people and events who would do me harm. But through Him I have power to defeat this unseen foe.

February 21, 2016

How Vulnerable Are You?

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. -- 1 Peter 5:8

Where do you think you are most vulnerable to an attack by the enemy? What is your button, the one issue where you are most likely to fall into sin?

Not sure? You’re at a great risk of falling into the enemies hands because I can guarantee you Satan knows where you are most vulnerable.

Our Sunday school class has been studying The Battle Plan for Prayer by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. This is a question they posed. It’s one I’ve honestly never thought about.

Don’t get me wrong. I know my buttons. I do. What that really means is that I know my fears. I know what I am most afraid of and that is the area where I am most vulnerable to an attack by the enemy.

We all have vulnerable areas, whether we recognize or admit it or not. When we understand where we are vulnerable we can create a battle plan.

Most of us would prefer to ignore the enemy but that is just so dangerous. He is real and he will do all that he can to stop us from serving God.

It’s hard for me to grasp, this invisible foe that we all face. I don’t like horror films. I’m not into the supernatural. I like things cut and dried, to borrow a well-worn cliché. I don’t like games of subterfuge. There’s just been too much of that in my life.

But I also don’t want to be Satan’s victim. So I take those vulnerable areas to God and ask for protection. I realize that I am not strong enough, smart enough or mighty enough to take on Satan or his minions. God is all powerful, all knowing and mightier than anything or anyone, in this world or in the spiritual realm.

So let me ask you again: Where are you most vulnerable to an attack for Satan? Think about it. Seriously. And create a battle plan that involves taking it to God. Satan will come after you. Be prepared.

February 4, 2016

Lies Are The Devil‘s Seeds

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. -- Exodus 20:16

Why do people lie? There are so many reasons. Fear. To make themselves look good. To cover up a mistake. To do Satan’s will. To cause dissension.

It’s all wrong. There really isn’t an excuse. A lie never brings anything but heartache -- especially to the liar. But at the time it seems easier than admitting you’ve messed up.

There is an unseen battle that wages here on this earth. It is a battle of demons trying to disrupt God’s people. It is a battle of good versus evil. The plan is to make God’s people turn away from Him, to plant seeds of doubt and derision. Lies are seeds the devil plants.

13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.”

14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”

15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.” -- 1 Samuel 15:13-15

Another lie Satan tells us is that it’s all for our good or for God’s glory. Lies are never for your good or God’s glory. Ever. In this passage of Scripture, God told the Israelites to destroy everything, all the people and all the cattle. Everything. But the Israelites, with Saul as king, kept the best. When the prophet Samuel pointed this out, they tried to excuse their behavior by saying they kept the best to offer as a sacrifice for God.

Did they get away with it? Did God excuse them? Of course not. God knew what was best and that’s what He told them to do. It was there own greed they were feeding.

Isn’t that usually the case? We tell ourselves we’re lying to do good to others but we’re really lying to save ourselves. We tell ourselves we did it for God but in reality we just don’t want to admit to Him or to anyone else what we did.

Here’s the thing: No one is innocent. We’re all guilty. But God’s people admit their mistakes, ask forgiveness and take a different path. Satan’s minions keep pushing their lies again and again and again.

Lies come from evil. They are planted to destroy. Those who believe those lies are being deceived by Satan. Watch out! Satan’s lies will destroy you.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Hold On To Hope and Joy

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. -- 1 Peter 5:8

Palm Sunday is a day filled with hope and promise. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, something Zechariah had proclaimed. The disciples, the followers of Jesus, did not know or understand that this triumphant entry would soon be replaced with deep sorrow and pain.

That’s how Satan works. He comes upon us when we are least expecting his presence and he tries to steal our joy, our happiness, our peace. Peter warns us to be wary, watchful, wise.

It’s just so easy to focus on what’s wrong in our lives rather than what is good. A woman is slowly getting her health back after suffering from a serious condition. She’ll always have the condition but she is now mobile and able to do most of what she wants to do. That’s a long way from not being able to stand by herself or even pour herself a glass of sweet tea.

But instead of focusing on her recovery, she is obsessing over what she can no longer do. It is so frustrating. There is no joy in her life because she refuses to see the good. And that makes everyone around her miserable. I’ve no doubt that Satan is cheering her on.

A dear man has been slowly reaching what we laughingly refer to as the twilight years of our lives. He cherishes card games and time with friends and family. Then he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given only a few months to live. He is angry and bitter, on tranquilizers for the depression that haunts his every waking moment.

I pray that he’ll find peace, and soon. His friends have rallied and his pastors are regular visitors and counselors. It is a hard road and I am not making light of it. Nor am I claiming to understand how he feels. I only know that anger and bitterness will rob him of the joy and peace he could experience during these months he has left on earth. Satan wants it that way.

In our lives many times we face circumstances we can not change. We can either be joyful where we are, giving God glory and total control of our lives, or we can let Satan rob us of God’s peace and strength. It isn’t always easy. I fail repeatedly to reach that moment where, as Paul says, I can be content in all circumstances. But I’m trying every day.

What about you? Are you choosing to be joyful or are you letting Satan have his way with your life? Today is all about hope and promise. Grasp it firmly and don’t let Satan take it away from you.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Follow The Light

The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.

-- Galatians 5:17

Sometimes God calls us to do something we really don’t feel like doing. Or maybe it’s something way out of our comfort level and we let fear hold us back. Or maybe we feel like we lack the money, the time, or the resources to make it happen. Whatever “it” might be.

Because we never know what God will call us to. Most times in my life I just haven’t really seen it coming. I find myself looking up and asking God if He’s sure. I imagine He doesn’t really appreciate the question but I think He probably understands that my doubts lie with me and not Him.

See, God never calls us to do something without providing everything we need. He’ll provide the money, the time, the resources. He’ll even give us courage -- if we only step out in faith. He’ll give us words and knowledge, helpmates and talents we never knew existed.

A man who has been active in prison ministry for more than 10 years admitted recently there are times we he really doesn’t feel like going to the jail. It’s an every Tuesday night event that is both uplifting and draining. Some nights he has no idea what he’ll say when he goes inside. He doesn’t know what to teach. He doesn’t know where to start. Fortunately, God does. He’s learned to get out of the way and let God do things His way. Not surprisingly, God always has a plan and it’s always good.

We are always in a battle with Satan. That sin part of us wants to kick back and let someone else do God’s work. We’re full of excuses. And those excuses sound good too. Satan will tell us anything to keep us from God’s will. Then he will have won the battle. Oh, but Jesus has already won the war.

So shove Satan aside and step up. Focus your eyes on God and step out in faith. Keep heading toward the light and trust God to lead the way. He won’t ever let you down. You’ll be amazed at what can happen when you let faith rule your heart and your actions.

　

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Believe Jesus’ Promise

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” -- John 10:10

Do you believe in coincidences? I believe coincidences are from God. Like the day my two daily readings both had this Scripture. It was also the same day my Bible study homework had that same Scripture. Coincidence? Nope. God all the way.

Who is the thief in this verse? Satan? Sure, that’s a reasonable answer. Satan certainly desires to take us away from God. But Satan works through others to do his dirty work. We forget that sometimes. We believe the lies that come from others who want to steal our happiness and destroy our faith in God.

Last year I met a young man who already believed he couldn’t do any number of things. He’s in high school. Yeah, he has some challenges but he’s very smart. And he already thinks he’s a failure. How sad is that? Lack of self-esteem means this young man could miss even trying to live the wonderful life God has planned for him.

Disappointment hangs like a cloud over a young woman who was denied a job she really wanted. They told her she was “over-qualified.” They even gave her leads and tips for other jobs. But she’s so depressed. Her hope of a job she’ll enjoy has been destroyed. Satan’s handiwork, no doubt.

A wonderful couple longed for a child. She had suffered cancer and it left serious problems. They endured endless rounds of fertility treatments but the treatments didn’t work. They had the promise of a newborn. They had a photo and permission from the birth mother. Everything was in line -- but they didn’t get the baby. The foster parents did. Devastation led to deep despair and a surrender to God. His will, not theirs. They’re in the process of adopting their fifth child. God’s blessing.

Satan wants to destroy all our dreams. He wants us to lose hope. He wants us to believe we’re stuck wherever it is we don’t want to be. He thrives on leading us astray and stealing our joy.

Jesus is just the opposite. He gave His life so that we could have eternal life. Jesus wants us to succeed. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to fulfill our dreams and the destiny God set out for us.

So don’t let Satan still your dreams. Cling to the hope that is Christ Jesus our Lord. Believe in Him, belief in yourself. You are a child of God. Your possibilities are endless if only you believe.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Believe God

"What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar."

-- Romans 3:-4a

It is so easy to believe what everyone else says, especially when they say it again and again and again. Their comments take over our minds and we fall right in line with what other people do and say. Most of the time we probably aren't even aware it.

We let other people's opinions shape our views and our values. We allow our past experiences to determine who we are today and will be tomorrow. We believe the worst of ourselves and think we can never be better than we are. All of it is just plain wrong.

"We must determine to allow nothing and no one to shape us, not even our personal experiences." Francis Frangipane wrote that in his book, The Three Battlefields. Beth Moore quoted it in her book and now I'm repeating it again. Maybe you can pass it on too. It's that important.

Frangipane goes on to write, "In truth, who is ruling our lives, God or our experiences?" He makes a good point. Just think about Paul. He'd done all he could to destroy the early Christians. He'd even been present when Stephen was stoned to death. Yet, Paul turned his life around after Jesus met him on that road. What if Paul had refused to try when he was first rebuffed by the Apostles? What if he'd decided he wasn't worthy to do Jesus' work because of who he'd been?

We are worthy not because of who we are but because of who He is. When God calls us to do something, whatever it might be, He'll provide us with the skills and means to do it. Why do we doubt? Why do we believe the naysayers over God? Why do hold their opinions as more valid that the voice of our Creator?

Satan loves to plant doubts in our minds. He's quick to point out all our faults, frequently using those around us to help him. He'll remind you of everything you've ever done wrong, every time you've ever failed, and every insecurity you've ever had. Satan wants to drive a wedge between you and God. Don't let him.

Believe God in all things and at all times. Believe Him. No matter where you've been or what you've done, God can and will restore you. Ask and you will receive. He forgives those who repent and call out to Him. Do not let your personal experiences or the comments of nonbelievers convince you that you are not worthy to be His child and do His bidding.

"Everything is possible for him who believes."

 --Mark 9:23b

Believe.